The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has chosen to host two of its 'regionals' events at the new Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), which opens next year.

Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre

The IOF Regionals Fourth Middle East & Africa Osteoporosis Meeting will be held 7-9 December 2017 and is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates.

By then, phase two of the OCEC is due to be complete, comprising two tiered auditoriums, 13 meeting rooms and the Grand and Junior Ballrooms.

Then, in 2021, the IOF will return for the Sixth IOF Regionals event. The 'regionals' are a key event in the calendar for the bone, muscle and joint community.

Judy Stenmark, CEO of the IOF, said the OCEC was a "stand-out choice" for the IOF for a number of reasons: "The venue plays a central role in the success of the meeting and the OCEC provides exceptional facilities. What's more, it is backed by an expert and experienced team of professionals who understand the specific needs of congresses such as ours.

"Oman itself was a factor in our decision - it is a central and well-connected location for our delegates, has a growing reputation as a medical hub and, of course, it is a wonderful country to visit," she added.

The OCEC is due to open early next year and already has 22 international, regional and national exhibitions and conventions in its forward calendar. It expects to host almost 450 events by 2022 and welcome thousands of visitors a year.